PXG's driver releases always command attention, blending high-end materials with the promise of maximizing performance metrics. The PXG Lightning Tour Mid Driver is one of four distinct models in the new lineup, positioned as a versatile performer that offers an excellent balance of speed and forgiveness, aimed at a broad spectrum of players who need tight dispersion.
Having tested this head extensively during my winter sessions, I wanted to see if the new iteration truly delivers a measurable step forward from its predecessor, the Black Ops, and if it can challenge some of the best golf drivers in the game.
The PXG Lightning driver line is built around increasing forgiveness (MOI) and efficiency through its Frequency Tuned Face technology. This core technology aims to align the face’s natural vibrational frequency with the compression of the ball, producing a more efficient transfer of energy. The Lightning Tour Mid specifically serves as the versatile model, offering a slightly more compact shape than the Max models while maintaining high stability.
My first impression confirmed that the aesthetic is not a massive change from its predecessor, the Black Ops driver. It retains the brand's signature matte black and carbon fiber look, which I've always liked for its premium, high-tech appearance.
In fact, I have always appreciated the overall branding of PXG and its use of high-end materials, and the headcover might be my favorite of the current crop of drivers, feeling soft, luxurious, robust, and well-designed.
The Tour Mid model offers a classic, slightly rounded profile at address that appeals to my eye, sitting confidently behind the ball. However, the first strikes were a slightly mixed experience.
I really enjoy the sound - it's solid, powerful, and at just the right pitch to me, but strangely, the feel and acoustics don't quite match up. I found I get a bit too much feedback and vibration through my hands with this range as a whole, especially on mis-hits, offering up a slightly hollow sensation, lacking the heaviness of strike that many of my favorites offer.
Sometimes this feedback can be shaft-related, so I switched this about a little during testing, but the feel was much the same. It stops short of being harsh, but it wasn't at the top end of my winter testing for pure soft feel.
In terms of speed, the Tour Mid delivers reasonable numbers without excelling. My data (gathered with my Foresight Sports GC3 launch monitor) showed that while it was always 1-2 mph behind drivers like the TaylorMade Qi35, Callaway Elyte Triple Diamond, and the Ping G440 LST, it is far from slow. At my typical speed, a loss of 1-2 mph is often negligible on the course, but it’s worth noting for those seeking to wring out every last drop of speed.
Where the Lightning Tour Mid excels is in stability and control. The consistency of data was very impressive, which is a testament to the build quality. The new design uses more carbon fiber in the sole compared to the Black Ops (74% larger carbon fiber sole area in the Tour Mid), allowing discretionary weight to be pushed to the perimeter for higher MOI (Moment of Inertia). This translated directly into tighter dispersion for me, which is always a welcome addition to my arsenal.
When shots were hit away from the center, the club resisted twisting exceptionally well, keeping the ball closer to the centerline than many other drivers.
The Tour Mid profile would provide excellent launch conditions for a wide range of golfers, avoiding the ultra-low flight of the pure Tour model or the highest launch of the Max. It successfully marries forgiveness and speed, and does so without a heavy directional bias.
I carried out all of my testing and data gathering in a fairly neutral weight setup, but for those looking for that aforementioned directional bias, there are three movable weights on the sole to allow you to manage CG location to your individual preference.
The PXG Lightning Tour Mid is a highly dependable driver that offered me consistency and forgiveness over and above peak speed. I don't feel it is a massive step forward in overall performance from the Black Ops driver, and from a feel point of view, it didn't hit the right notes, but it was a very consistent performer. It’s a beautifully built, highly adjustable, and reliable driver that will undoubtedly help golfers find more fairways and maintain confidence off the tee.
The Tour Mid is available in 8˚, 9˚, and 10.5˚for right right-handed players, and 9˚ and 10.5˚ for left-handers with an RRP of $649/£569.
